2023 Washington Commanders Defense

Washington slid to 11th in rushing yards allowed (1,926). Ball carriers gained 4.4 yards per rush with 10 touchdowns on 25.9 rushes per game.

The Commanders jumped to fourth in passing yards allowed (3,252) with 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. They sacked the quarterback 43 times.

DE Chase Young missed 22 consecutive games between 2021 and 2022 due to his slow recovery from a significant knee injury (ACL and MCL tears). Washington drafted him second overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he played well in his rookie season (44 tackles and 7.5 sacks). The Commanders didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, putting Young in a contract year. DE Montez Sweat has 29 sacks over his first four seasons with 165 tackles. His run defense has been an asset over the past three years.

DT Daren Payne broke through last year to set career-highs in tackles (64) and sacks (11.5), leading to the Commanders signing him to a $90 million contract for four seasons. Despite his success, he missed many tackles in 2022, leading to weakness in his run support for the second straight year. DT Jonathan Allen will pressure the quarterback while showing league-average value against the run. He tends to rank below the league average in run support.

LB Cody Barton saw his first starting action for the Seahawks last season, leading to 136 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and six defended passes. His run defense was slightly below-par, with risk in coverage. LB Jamin Davis has a first-round pedigree (2021) while showing growth in his second season (104 tackles and three sacks). He played much better in all areas than in his rookie campaign. The other linebacker position is an open competition, with incoming rookies K.J. Henry and Andre Jones offering the most upside.

CB Kendall Fuller continues to play well in coverage, but he did allow more explosive catches last year. He also adds value to their run defense.  CB Emmanuel Forbes is slated to start in his rookie season after getting drafted 16th overall. Washington doesn’t have another standout cornerback on the roster, but rookie Jartavius Martin may work in a hybrid role between safety and cornerback.

S Kamren Curl blossomed into a solid asset in the Commanders’ secondary. He improves their run defense while being a sure tackler. S Darrick Forrest set career bests in tackles (88), interceptions (4), and defended passes (9) in his sophomore year in the league. He did give up some touchdowns, but his coverage was an asset on many plays.

If DE Chase Young can reach his potential, Washington will continue to show growth on the defensive side of the ball. Their defensive line is loaded with talent, with an improving secondary. The second level of the defense only needs to fill the run lanes and add some value to the pass rush.

In the high-stakes fantasy market in June, the Commanders’ defense ranks 14th. I see a top-10 fantasy defense with playable value in multiple games in 2023.